10-day Iceland itinerary

January 7, 2023

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary - Ultimate 10 Day Self-Drive Guide

Are you ready for an epic Iceland Ring Road Itinerary like no other? Iceland seriously feels like you’re on another planet and is one of our favourite road trip destinations (bar Namibia). Over ten days, you’ll explore waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers and more incredible natural wonders than you ever thought possible (think black beaches, lagoons full of icebergs, and braided rivers seen from a bird’s eye view). 

Your road trip begins in the stylish capital Reykjavik. Then you’ll venture into the wilderness in search of roaring waterfalls, from the incredible dual cascade of Haifoss and Granni to the amphitheatre of water that is Skógafoss. Next you’ll hike through steaming fissures in the earth at the geothermal zone of Landmannalaugar. The scenery just keeps one-upping itself in Iceland’s backcountry at Þakgil canyon and the colourful coastal region between Svínafellsjökull glacier and Stokksnes (our personal favourite). You’ll be left breathless (metaphorically, but also literally because of the hiking) by world-class wonders like the thunderous Hengifoss and the picturesque panoramas of Lake Mývatn. By the end of your road trip, you’ll have discovered that not even your wildest imagination could match the sheer magic of Iceland’s raw natural beauty.

Ideal itinerary for outdoor lovers

Our Iceland travel guide provides a detailed 10-day road trip itinerary based on hiking and camping. This itinerary is suited for people who are looking to pack in as much of Iceland’s incredible geological backyard as possible. We hiked around 230 kilometres in one week with this itinerary. Was it exhausting? Yes. But, we weren’t visiting Iceland for a laid-back vacation and we left incredibly satisfied that we had made the most of our precious time here. In saying that, our Iceland Ring Road Itinerary can be adjusted so that your road trip is less jam packed. In this case, we suggest that you focus on just the southern coastline and pick your favourite locations, doubling back after Stokksnes.

Couple embracing at dusk in front of colourful town

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In this article

Introduction to Iceland

You’ve probably heard Iceland being referred to as the land of fire and ice. Until we arrived, we honestly underestimated just how accurate this description is. Situated in the remote North Atlantic, Iceland is a magical Nordic island forged by volcanic eruptions and rugged coastal landscapes. With a population of just over 375,000, Icelanders have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in their Viking heritage despite Iceland’s isolation. Glaciers and volcanic slopes dominate much of the island’s interior. While steaming hot springs, towering waterfalls and jagged laval coastlines await around every turn on the Ring Road (the main road that circles the entire country).

10 day Iceland Ring Road itinerary overview

Day 1: Arrive + Haifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall

Day 2: Iceland highlands – Thórsmörk

Day 3: Iceland highlands –  Landmannalaugar

Day 4: Skogafoss, Kvernufoss and more!

Day 5: Iceland backcountry and canyons: Þakgil and Fjaðrárgljúfur

Day 6: Svínafellsjökull glacier, Múlagljúfur canyon, Diamond Beach and Stokksnes

Day 7: Stuðlagil canyon + Hengifoss

Day 8: Myvatn Geothermal Area + Goðafoss

Day 9: Reykjavik

Day 10: Depart

Iceland Ring Road itinerary highlights map

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 1 Hidden gem waterfalls (Arrive)

We suggest that you try to arrive by lunch on your first day. Prearrange a transfer with your car rental company. You will likely be flying into Keflavik International Airport which is very small and you’ll have no trouble finding your designated pick up location. Factor in between 1 to 2 hours to pick up your rental car as there will be some paperwork plus a vehicle inspection. For those hiring a camper van or caravan, this means a full induction to the vehicle also.

What to do 

1. Pick up your groceries 

First things first, you will want to stock up on groceries before you get on the road. Kronan is a great budget supermarket in Iceland and you will have no problem finding everything that you need. 

2. Háifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall

Starting off strong, this was truly one of our most favourite locations in all of Iceland. Getting to Háifoss waterfall and Granni waterfall is one of the most straightforward hikes in Iceland and will only take you 1 to 2 hours all up. Located 2.5 hours east of Keflavik Airport, the waterfalls plunge 122 metres over a sheer basalt cliff. If you’re visiting during winter, you won’t be able to access this location without a 4WD and significant off road experience. 

Once you reach the falls, you’ll find free designated parking at the canyon rim. From here, a clearly marked path heads westward along gentle terrain for most of its roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) length. You can’t miss the trail from the carpark, even though it’s not signed. You will have incredible views after only a few minutes. So you can go as far as you like, but we highly recommend hiking down to the bottom for the best views. 

3. Drive to Hella 

By the time you finish up at Haifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall it will be getting late, so head to Hella for the night. The drive will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There isn’t necessarily anything to see in Hella, but you will stay here for the next few nights while you take day trips to the most beautiful highlands locations. 

Total driving time 

3 hours 45 minutes.

Where to stay overnight

Stay in Hella at Gaddstadaflatir camping. It will cost €15 per person. This is the only option for camping that is convenient for the next two day’s excursions into the highlands as the Trex bus leaves from the supermarket in town. There is a communal kitchen and toilets here. Unfortunately there are no showers. We are still confused how there are urban campgrounds in Iceland without showers, but beggars can’t be choosers!

Left: view from the bottom of the hiking trail, Right: view from the platform at the start of the hiking trail

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 2 Thórsmörk

What to do 

I don’t know about you, but Iceland’s highlands have always been at the top of my travel bucket list. Visiting the highlands is only possible in the summer. Nestled beneath Iceland’s tallest peak of Hekla lies the magical, isolated valley region of Thórsmörk Langidalur. Access to Thórsmörk is limited to late June to early September when the snow has melted, the roads are more accessible and hiking trails are possible. 

You can reach Thórsmörk yourself by 4WD. However there are multiple water crossings, so make sure you have experience with this. Otherwise, we recommend booking a Trex bus transfer, which is what we did. The bus picked us up from Hella outside the Kjörbúðin Supermarket and it took 2 hours to reach Thórsmörk Langidalur, costing €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip. 

There are multiple hikes to do here, however if you only have one day we suggest the following: 

  • Thórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle  – 4-5 hours, moderate
  • Mount Valahnúkur route – 1 hour 45 minutes, easy (though incredibly steep)

Total driving time 

4 hours (on a Trex bus). 

Where to stay overnight

Go back to Hella again tonight as you’ll be taking another day excursion tomorrow.

The insane views at Thórsmörk (both photos taken from the top of Mount Valahnúkur) 

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 3 Landmannalaugar

What to do 

Nestled deep in Iceland’s southern highlands lies the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. Characterised by strange coloured, rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs, it makes for a once in a lifetime hiking destination. 

You will need to drive yourself along rugged F-roads in your own 4WD if you’re comfortable with water crossings. Otherwise you will have to organise transportation ahead of time through companies such as Trex bus. However, there are many other tour options for this location, especially from Reykjavik, so you will find something that suits your schedule. 

We took the Trex bus again from Hella. It took about 2 hours to reach Landmannalaugar, costing €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip. 

Once you’ve arrived, we suggest that you focus on the Bláhnúkur / Brennisteinsalda hike. This hike will take 6 hours and combines the three most popular hikes, which take a few hours each if attempted individually: 

  • Mount Blahnukur 2.5 – 4 hours 
  • Brennisteinsalda volcano – 3 hours 
  • Laugahraun Loop – 2 hours

Our biggest tip is to summit Mt. Blahnúkúr first, and then Mt. Brennisteinsalda, so that the hardest one is first. You will find really clear maps at the Information Desk when you arrive, so don’t worry if you can’t find the direction to start the hike.

Total driving time 

4 hours (on a Trex bus) + 1 hour on your own to your accommodation for the night. 

Where to stay overnight

Once you arrive back at Hella from your day trip, hop in the car and drive about an hour to either Skogafoss or Vik for the evening. Camping at either spot will cost €15 per person. Just a word of warning that camping at Skogafoss is literally just the car park used for day visitors. Amenities include a couple of toilets and showers but not enough to service the number of people that stay here, and you can imagine the cleanliness. Instead we would recommend driving just a little bit further to Vik for the night.

Views of the rhyolite mountains from the Mt. Bláhnúkur hike

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 4 South coast

Today is quite a busy day and you’ll hit a lot of spots, but they’re all pretty close together so you’ll be in and out of the car a fair bit. If you can start early to reach the first few stops before they get busy, you won’t regret it. 

What to do 

1. Skogafoss Waterfall

Standing at 60m, Skógafoss waterfall is an incredibly convenient location along the Ring Road between Reykjavík and Vík (2 hours from Reykjavík). This particular location is very touristy but worth it if you go at the right time (that being before 8am during peak season). While you are standing in front of Skogafoss, on your right you will see a stairwell heading up the side of the hill next to the waterfall. Plan to spend between half an hour to an hour here depending on whether you decide to climb the steps to see the waterfall from above or not.

2. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Located only 2 minutes from Skógafoss, this often-missed waterfall is a truly hidden gem. Visitors of the Golden Circle very rarely venture here. We visited it after leaving Skógafoss at about 9am and were the only ones there in peak season. You’ll only need about half an hour, making this a brief but very captivating destination showcasing Iceland’s raw natural beauty.

Left: Kvernufoss waterfall, Right: Skogafoss waterfall at sunrise

3. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Seljavallalaug swimming pool is a completely free man-made hot spring. It certainly doesn’t have the amenities of other hot springs, however it has gained popularity massively over the years for its beautiful setting. Plan to spend about 1 – 2 hours all up. Like all sites in Iceland, make sure to follow the leave no trace principle and take everything with you when you leave.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

The iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a must-see on any South Coast itinerary. Its tall, slender column of water cascades down the cliff face with such force it creates a natural mist in the air (so be prepared to get a little wet). After visiting Seljalandsfoss, continue along the path. After 5 minutes you’ll reach its sister fall, Gljufrabui. Hidden in a narrow cleft in the cliff, Gljufrabui offers stunning views from within its enclosed canyon. Make sure that you get a photo on the boulder! Gljufrabui was a lot quieter than Seljalandsfoss. Given it’s only a few minutes walk, it’s truly worth doing both while you’re here.  

Left: Seljavallalaug swimming pool, Right: Seljalandsfoss waterfall

5. Solheimajokull Glacier

You can walk right up to the lagoon, and get quite close to the edge of the glacier without a tour guide which separates this destination from others like Fjallsarlon glacier. It’s a very photogenic location, with a dramatic foreground of polar landscapes backed by the smoking cliffs of Mount Eyjafjallajökull. Given the accessibility of this location (it’s only 2 hours 15 minutes from Reykjavik), and the activities on offer, it’s no surprise that this glacier attracts quite large crowds year-round. Even during the busy summer months though, you’ll find that you can get uninterrupted views of the glacier from the lagoon’s edge.

6. Dyrholaey

Highlights of this stop include the castle-like lighthouse, potential puffin sightings (which roost here between May-August), the iconic sea arch, and the impressive views of Reynisfjara black sand beach from 100m above. If you’re hoping to see puffins, apparently the best time is mid-morning. We arrived early in the afternoon and still spotted a few though! Be aware that the carpark at the lighthouse section may be closed at certain times in the summer to facilitate the puffin breeding season. However, foot traffic will still be allowed during the daytime (9am to 6pm), so you will just have to tackle the uphill walk.  

Left: Solheimajokull glacier, Right: Puffins at Dyrholaey

7. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

We’ve included Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach only because it is such an incredibly popular option. The main draw cards for Reynisfjara are its proximity to Reykjavik (only a 2.5 hour drive), that it’s a black sand beach which contrasts dramatically with the ocean and cliffs, and that you can find basalt lava rock columns and formations. As the waves have eroded the softer cliffs over time, sturdier hexagonal basalt columns have been left behind right at the shoreline which are pretty impressive! This was by far the busiest location we visited, so if you’re planning on continuing your drive along the Ring Road after this, we suggest that you skip this as you’ll come across other much more beautiful black sand beaches without the hordes of crowds.

8. Vik

Vik is a perfect homebase for day trips to surrounding points of interest including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey and several waterfall trails nearby like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gljufrabúi. Located only 2 and a half hours from Reykjavik, Vik is a popular overnight destination due to the wider range of accommodation options here compared to surrounding areas. Within Vik itself, visit the Vik i Myrdal Church, and the School Beans for a drink and snack.

Left: Basalt columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Right: Vik i Myrdal Church in Vik

Total driving time 

About 2 hours. All of the locations are really close together so although you’ll be moving around a lot you won’t need to be in the car for very long at any point. 

Where to stay overnight

From Vik, head to Þakgil campground in the backcountry. This peaceful, isolated location will provide you with some much needed reprieve after the massive sightseeing day you’ve just had.

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 5 Iceland backcountry

What to do 

1. Þakgil canyon

If you’re keen on visiting Iceland’s backcountry without a 4WD, this is definitely the spot for you! This incredibly peaceful, isolated location will give you a reprieve from the busy Ring Road and it offers some of the best hiking in the country in our opinion. 

Despite lying just east of the popular town of Vik, Þakgil remains one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. Nestled in the remote and rugged East Fjords region, it avoids the crowds that flock to neighbouring south coast sites. Hikers are treated to a diverse landscape ranging from its namesake steep-walled canyon, to roaring waterfalls, and massive outlet glaciers, all providing breathtaking panoramic vistas. 

We suggest that you first do the ‘Easy Ravine Walk’ which will only take 10 minutes from the car park of the camp ground. This quick walk heads directly up a small canyon ending at a picturesque waterfall which powers a small hydro station supplying electricity to the facilities here. The other hike that we would highly suggest you take is the Remundargil Loop. This 12.5km (7.8 mi) trail will take between 3 and 5 hours and will give you incredible views of the various canyons scattered throughout the area, with panoramic views of a glacier at the middle point.

The beautiful scenery at Þakgil

2. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon cuts an impressive path 100m deep and 2km (1.2 mi) long. Carved out over an estimated 9,000 years by meltwater from local glaciers running through the Fjaðrá river, the canyon showcases the beautiful power of erosion.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is easily accessible via a well-maintained gravel road from the Ring Road. From the free parking area there is an easy 60 minute hike along the top of the canyon. You can no longer access the bottom of the ravine. There will be quite a few people here, but in our opinion it is truly worth the short walk for the breathtaking views.

Best places to visit in Iceland 1

Looking down into the famous Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Total driving time 

2 hours 45 minutes.

Where to stay overnight

Head to Skaftafell National Park to camp overnight. This well maintained campground was one of our favourites the entire trip. There are multiple large, flat, grassy fields with modern and clean facilities. 

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 6 Glaciers and beaches

What to do 

1. Skaftafell National Park

Start your day exploring Skaftafell National Park. Svartifoss waterfall and Svínafellsjökull glacier are the main attractions here. You can reach both of these from the visitors centre and the hikes are 3km and 3.7km return respectively. Svartifoss waterfall will take about an hour to complete, with the walk to Skaftafellsjökull glacier taking slightly longer. 

Svartifoss waterfall was one of our favourite waterfalls that we saw in Iceland. In Icelandic, Svartifoss means “black falls”, and earns its name from the surrounding jagged black basalt columns that frame this dramatic cascade. You can no longer walk right up to the waterfall but you will find a viewing platform set back that still gives you incredible views without impacting the local vegetation.

Best places to visit in Iceland 2

Svartifoss waterfall

2. Múlagljúfur Canyon

The dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, often simply called Múla Canyon, is a stunning location in southern Iceland near popular sites like Fjallsárlón Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Renowned for its rugged cliffs, vibrant greenery and powerful river, Múlagljúfur Canyon epitomises Iceland’’s raw and untamed beauty. Untouched by development, Múlagljúfur preserves Iceland’s pristine wilderness appeal, however expect the car park to be full! It’s best to do this hike in the morning to make sure you find a spot in the parking lot.

The dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a must-see on your Iceland Ring Road itinerary 

3. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Any guide to the top things to see and do in Iceland would be amiss without including Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Diamond Beach is renowned for its glittering black sand formed from crushed basalt. Walking along this unique beach, you will be amazed by the sparkling sand and bright chunks of ice littered across the coastal landscape. 

Located just off Diamond Beach is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This breathtaking lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that calve off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Boats tours are available to get a closer look at the floating icebergs during summer, which typically cost around €47 ($50 USD) per person. You might also occasionally spot seals in the lagoon!

Diamond Beach

4. Stokksnes

End your day with a visit to Stokksnes. You will not be able to resist capturing the otherworldly landscapes that this remote location provides, including the iconic imagery of the dramatic mountain silhouettes against the secluded black sand beaches, dotted with pockets of beautiful windswept grasses.

Note: Don’t bother if the weather is bad as you won’t be able to see anything. If you can’t see the mountain peak from the entrance, don’t go in.

It’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering Stokksnes’ trails. We are totally amateur photographers and it felt like we couldn’t take a bad shot here! There’s a few different walks here that are all easy and along flat ground. There is also an old Viking village that was used as a set for The Witcher: Blood Origin back in 2021. I would highly suggest that you visit at sunrise or sunset to see the most beautiful colours paint the landscape in gorgeous muted purpley-gold tones.

Stokksnes beach at sunset

Total driving time 

2 hours 15 minutes.

Where to stay overnight

We decided to spend the night at Stokksnes, however it was the most uncomfortable camping location that we stayed at for our entire trip. The wind is very intense given its coastal location, which made it impossible for us to sit outside. They do have a hut that you can cook in, but other than that we had to stay in the van for the rest of the evening which wasn’t ideal. The price you pay for such a beautiful location! 

If you’re not interested in camping, or don’t want to camp in such an exposed location, we suggest you head back to Höfn where you’ll find plenty of options.

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 7 Stuðlagil canyon + Hengifoss

What to do 

1. Fauskasandur black sand beach

In contrast with Iceland’s more famous black sand beaches that draw large numbers of tourists, like Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara, Fauskasandur sees significantly less visitor traffic. Situated in a remote coastal location in East Iceland, this unspoiled stretch of sand stands out for its dramatic basalt rock formations. Most notable is a gigantic rock monolith that towers over the beach, serving as a picturesque focal point for onlookers and photographers.

Fauskasandur black sand beach is perfect in any weather

2. Seydisfjordur

It’s a bit of a detour, but if you have some time, a short trip to Seydisfjordur will take you to the iconic blue church with a rainbow pavement in front of it. This is a cruise ship destination, so you may arrive on a day where the town is absolutely flooded and you’ll find that it’s impossible to get into any cafe or appreciate any of the sites (this happened to us). Either way, the drive is absolutely beautiful and is a worthwhile stop if you have some time on your hands.

3. Hengifoss

The main drawcard of Hengifoss are the unique layers of red clay rock sandwiched between layers of basalt. It’s straight out of a movie scene. Hengifoss stands at around 128 metres tall, making it the 2nd highest waterfall in Iceland (excluding the waterfall in the Morsárjökull glacier). Upon arrival, Hengifoss appears deceptively close from the roadside car park. However, this perspective is misleading. It’s actually a lengthy climb to reach the falls. While the total distance is moderate at around 2.5 km (1.5 mi), plan for a full 1 hour and 15 minutes hike due to a challenging elevation gain of 270 metres.

4. Stuðlagil canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon, only discovered in 2016, is famous for its striking contrasting colours and basalt columns. It’s located on the eastern side of Iceland, basically at the halfway point from Reykjavik. I’ll start off by saying that the pictures you have seen of Stuðlagil Canyon may differ from your reality. The colour of the Hofsá river that flows through the canyon fluctuates seasonally. From March to July, its waters shine a brilliant blue-green. As summer comes to an end and melting glaciers upstream begin to swell the flow, the colour shifts to a light grey tint. This colour is due to the rising glacial sediment load characteristic of rivers fed by nearby melting ice. The transformed colour from vivid spring to milky fall is beautiful in all its shades, but for visitors unaware of this, they can be disappointed.

Left: Hengifoss, Right: Stuðlagil Canyon

Total driving time 

6 hours (or 5 hours, 15 minutes without stopping at Seydisfjordur). This is a bigger driving day as you will be starting to get into an area where the attractions are more spread out and you’ll need to begin making your way back to Reykjavik.

Where to stay overnight

You’ll find plenty of accommodation options near Egilsstaðir. If you want to gain some extra ground and have an easier driving day tomorrow, we recommend continuing your drive and staying the night at Camping Myvatn in Reykjahlíð. This was one of our favourite campgrounds of the entire road trip. It has beautiful views over the lake and excellent facilities.

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 8 Myvatn Geothermal Area + Goðafoss

What to do 

1. Myvatn Geothermal Area

The Myvatn Geothermal Area is a must-see when driving through northern Iceland. Within its steaming fumaroles and popping mud pits, Iceland’s volcanic activity is on full display here. Take some time to wander through the twisted lava formations, then walk through the geothermal crack of Grjótagjá Cave to its hidden hot spring. The brightly-coloured thermal areas and views over Lake Mývatn can be easily enjoyed without much walking which is a much needed reprieve after all the hiking you will have done in the past week. You can also take a tour of the Krafla Geothermal Power Station to learn how Iceland harnesses heat for energy. 

2. Goðafoss

Known as Goðafoss or “Waterfall of the Gods,” this spectacular waterfall gained its name from a significant event in Icelandic history. When Iceland officially converted to Christianity in 1000 AD, the country’s pagan practices were outlawed. As a symbolic gesture of rejecting their old gods, Iceland’s leaders tossed their wooden carved idols and other pagan items over the falls. Since that time, Goðafoss has been renowned as the “Waterfall of the Gods” to commemorate when the old gods were cast away. Its thunderous cascade of water plunging over basalt rock columns remains one of Iceland’s most visually impressive waterfalls, with the mythical history behind its name adding important cultural context. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will take you to the viewing platforms where you can see the thunderous 40 foot waterfall.

Total driving time 

Assuming that you stayed in Egilsstaðir the night before, your total driving time today will be 6 hours.

Where to stay overnight

You’ll find a couple of campsites and hotels nearby Borðeyri. Ending your day here will make your final day’s drive into Reykjavik tomorrow easy at only 2 hours.

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 9 Reykjavik

What to do 

We dropped our rental car off on our way into Reykjavik as we had a 6.30am flight the next morning, however this will obviously depend on your schedule. If you are planning on doing something similar, just make sure you have planned a way to get back into Reykjavik. We have provided a section on how to get between the airport (where a lot of car rental companies are based) and Reykjavik in the following section which we suggest you read through.  

Once you get into Reykjavik make sure you visit Rainbow street and Hallgrimskirkja (catch the elevator to the top for great views!). This pretty city can be enjoyed on foot, so just take some time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. 

As we camped during our entire Iceland road trip, we had been cooking all our own meals and decided to splash out on dinner for our last evening. We went to Food Cellar and absolutely loved it! We chose the Secret Menu which included 6 courses determined by the chef. The food was absolutely beautiful, the restaurant itself was unpretentious and fun, there was live piano music and the service was just superb.

Total driving time 

2 hours.

Where to stay overnight

Finding affordable accommodation in Reykjavik can be tricky. We recommend that you book ahead as far as possible. We stayed at Reykjavík – Student Hostel which was only a 10 minute walk from the city centre and very close to the bus terminal that takes you to the airport. It was perfect for a one night stay but still costs €166 for a twin room without a private bathroom.

Iceland Ring Road itinerary - Day 10 depart

If you have time before your flight, grab a coffee at one of the best cafes in town such as Reykjavík Roasters or Kaffi Ó-le. Keep in mind that Keflavik International Airport is almost an hour from Reykjavik. We included information at the end of this guide on your options to get to the airport from the capital city. 

If you have a late flight you could also consider going to the Blue Lagoon. We left this off our itinerary as it didn’t align with the kind of activities we were interested in visiting during our time in Iceland, but it’s a great option if you have some extra time. Entry fees change depending on the time of day you’re visiting. Off peak entry will cost €59, whereas the more popular time slots will set you back €95.

Best time to visit Iceland

Left: View from the Dyrholaey lighthouse, Right: Solheimajokull glacier

Summer

The summer months of June-August see the longest daylight hours in Iceland. You can even experience the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle for 6 weeks either side of the June 21 summer solstice. This is the most popular time to visit with warmer weather averaging 10-15°C. The warmer weather is essential if you plan on renting a campervan like we did. Although most vans are equipped with heaters that you can leave on overnight, you will still need to be outside to cook food, go for showers, brush your teeth and so on. If it’s cold and miserable it just won’t be the same experience (unless you’re really used to the cold). 

Summer is the only time of year that you will be able to access the highlands (including Thórsmörk and Landmannalaugar) and is overall the best time for hiking. Trails and roads are easily accessible without snow or ice. Plus, more daylight means extended hiking opportunities. 

However, it’s also the most expensive time to travel in Iceland due to higher travel demand. Be sure to book your rental car in advance if visiting during this time to ensure you get the vehicle of your choice for your dates of travel. Rental prices will skyrocket, so you don’t want to be in a position where you have to take whatever you can get.  

The popularity of the summer season also means you’ll battle crowds at a lot of the easily accessible locations (like Skogafoss and Reynisfjara black sand beach). The extra daylight hours mean that you can choose to visit locations at odd hours to avoid crowds though. Either plan to hit your key destinations very early in the morning, or even after dinner in the evenings and you’ll find much fewer people even during peak season.

Winter

Winter is the off-season in Iceland. November-March brings chances of northern lights views as it is dark for much of the day (expect it to be dark by about 3 or 4pm) and the skies are typically more clear at this time of year. There are also much fewer tourists which means you’ll pick up great discounts on tours and accommodation. However, temperatures average just above freezing with potential for heavy snow. Access to certain locations (including a lot of the ones included in this itinerary) will be restricted. 

The sites that you can access however will be spectacular. Picture beautiful winter wonderland landscapes under blankets of snow. There are plenty of activities that are based around winter activities so you’ll still find plenty to do. For example, the thermal pools are especially appealing at this time of year. Soaking in the warm waters is a wonderful way to relax during cold winter days. For those looking for more adventure, you can go ice caving, snowmobiling or snowshoeing also! 

Shoulder seasons

For the best balance of daylight, weather reliability and value, aim to visit Iceland in May or September. You’ll experience mild temperatures and lighter crowds. If you’re lucky you might still find discounts on accommodation and tours, and you’ll have more daylight hours for outdoor activities than you have during the winter. Seeing the northern lights might be possible in September, whereas in May you may still come across ongoing closures and limited access to particular areas and outdoor activities like hiking or swimming.

Getting to Iceland

Flights

Even though Iceland feels like you’re in another world, it’s actually surprisingly easy to get to. Whether you’re departing from Europe or North America, Iceland is easily accessible thanks to various flight routes. From major cities across Europe like London, Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin and more, you can fly directly to Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik on airlines like PLAY Airlines, Icelandair, British Airways, KLM and EasyJet. Flight times average around 2-3 hours, allowing easy access from throughout Europe. We flew direct with PLAY from Ireland and were really happy with this budget airline. Though we would suggest that you book well in advance to ensure the best possible prices! Especially if you plan to travel in the summer. We paid €400 ($420 USD) per person for return flights from Dublin, which is about as close as you can get distance-wise. 

If you’re starting your trip from farther afield in Europe, it’s also possible to connect through hubs in cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Berlin. Check out carriers like Lufthansa and KLM and for convenient transfers.

For North American travellers, you can find non-stop flights to Iceland from several airports across the United States and Canada. Regular direct services depart from New York JFK, Boston, Washington D.C., Toronto, Montreal and more with flight durations ranging from 5-7 hours generally. Other major US airlines may require a connection, although partnerships with airlines like Icelandair allow booked-through luggage.

Ferries

Finally, if you’re looking for a more unique option from parts of Northern Europe, check out the Smyril Line car ferry. Sailing weekly year-round from Denmark and the Faroe Islands, this is a scenic multi-day journey that allows you to bring your vehicle. Just be prepared for unpredictable North Atlantic seas! 

So whether you fly direct, connect through hubs or embark on a ferry adventure, Iceland’s well-connected international transportation links make it easily accessible from around the globe.

Left: Múlagljúfur Canyon, Right: Kvernufoss waterfall

Getting around Iceland

Getting from the airport to Reykjavik

First things first, you will likely start or end your Iceland itinerary in Reykjavik. This means you will need to organise travel between the capital city and Keflavik International Airport. It takes 50 minutes to drive between Reykjavik and Keflavik airport. You have a few options here – taxi, public bus or Sky Bus. 

Taxi – Beware that a taxi will cost you an absolute fortune in Iceland. You could end up paying close to €150 ($160 USD) one way between Reykjavik and Keflavik. 

Public bus – This will be your cheapest option, as long as it works with your schedule. Bus 55 is the public bus, however it is super limited in its timetable. Especially on weekends, which is likely when you’ll be flying in or out. You can find the timetable here. The BSI bus stop is the stop located in Reykjavik city centre, and you will see that not all services from Keflavik go all the way into town. Don’t assume that you can rely on it, check the timetable ahead of time!  

Sky Bus – We highly recommend that you book the Sky bus. Tickets will set you back €27.57 ($30 USD) per person, one way. If you don’t want to book a bus ahead of time in case of flight delays, we saw plenty of people buy tickets on the bus on arrival. However for your bus back to the airport we would recommend that you book this ahead to ensure you don’t miss out. We had a 3.30am bus and it was absolutely packed. We also booked this several months in advance. Given your only other option, particularly for early flights, could be a very expensive taxi, it really pays to be organised in this instance. 

Renting a car

With much of Iceland’s breathtaking scenery located well off the beaten path, a hired car is the best way to truly experience this volcanic island on your own terms. The Ring Road that circles the country, and the F-roads that delve deeper, are begging to be explored. Having the freedom to pull over wherever peaks your interest rather than relying on designated tour stops is definitely worth it here. We found driving around Iceland to be really straightforward. The roads are incredibly well maintained and pretty quiet even during peak season. We have a few tips for renting vehicles in Iceland below:

Do you plan on accessing F-roads?

Consider whether you want to access the F-roads or just stick to the Ring Road (the main circle road around Iceland). F-roads are dirt and gravel roads that require you to have a 4WD. You may find that some of your must-see destinations are actually on these roads. We didn’t hire a 4WD and had to cut a few locations off our itinerary. However we still visited two locations in the highlands using Trex buses (more on this below). 

Book early 

Regardless of what vehicle you choose (standard 2WD, campervan, caravan, EV, 4WD, etc.), just be sure to book early, particularly during peak season. Iceland is an incredibly popular self-drive road trip destination. It is also an incredibly expensive country. The longer you wait, the less options you’re going to have and the higher the price will be.  

Know where the spare tyre is

Inspect the vehicle and know where emergency supplies are as they likely won’t deliberately show you. We got a flat tyre at one stage and had a difficult time finding access to the bolt to lower the tyre from under the car as it was hidden under some cabinets in the back. We really regretted not asking for a better introduction to the vehicle and it made us aware in the future to always make sure we know where emergency equipment is in rental vehicles. 

Transfers between the airport or Reykjavik 

The airport is very far away from Reykjavik. We would recommend that you go with a rental company that offers transfers to/from the airport but also to Reykjavik. You are more than likely going to start or end your trip in Reykjavik, however most car rental companies are obviously near the airport. When booking, we were told that we could organise a transfer to Reykjavik with the car rental company we went through. But when we arrived they said they no longer offer it. I would recommend checking ahead just prior to your arrival to ensure any offered transfers are still valid.

Heating and comfortability 

It gets very cold and windy in Iceland, even in the summer. The cheapest available campervan may not meet your needs. There are larger caravans that have kitchens inside to cook in that will make your experience more comfortable. We’re pretty used to camping, but even we wished we had more space inside our van on some days during our road trip because of the weather conditions. Some vehicles will come with heating that you can turn on overnight, but not all. Make sure to look at the vehicle listing to see if it’s included. 

Beware of strong winds

Hold onto your doors as you exit the vehicle, as the wind can be very strong and damage to doors is not covered by insurance. As an extra precaution always park your car head first into the wind.  

Parking app

Download the Parka app. You will need to pay for parking at most destinations around Iceland and you can pay for the majority of them using Parka.

Consider hiring an EV

There are charge points all over the country making Iceland a great destination for hiring an electric vehicle. Distances between towns really aren’t that long, and there are even charge points being installed at some locations in the highlands (crazy!). You can use websites like PlugShare to plan your trip so that you know where the charge points are ahead of time. 

Left: Views around the Seljavallalaug swimming pool, Right: Stuðlagil Canyon

Day trips and tours

There are of course endless day tours available to explore Iceland without hiring your own vehicle. Using Reykjavik as your base will mean that you can explore most of the sites along the south coast with ease. Most day tours will last about 10 hours and will cost you €100 per person (excluding extra activities). If you are wanting to do activities like cave tours or snorkelling, expect to add another €100 per person.

Getting into the highlands

To experience Iceland’s incredible highlands, you have two options: self-drive or go on a tour. If you choose to self-drive, be aware that several major spots like Landmannalaugar and Askja Caldera require extra high-clearance vehicles that can handle river crossings. For those uncomfortable self-driving, guided jeep and super jeep tours from Reykjavik and Hella provide transport to reach these remote natural wonders. We booked with Trex bus to access two locations in the highlands, and were really happy with them. Their timetables were perfect, allowing us to do day trips and still have time to do all the hikes we wanted. For certain locations like Thórsmörk and Landmannalaugar, you can also choose to camp overnight and catch a bus back the next day if you wish.

Camping

You can’t book ahead for campsites in Iceland. Pretty much all campgrounds will have space even during peak season. Depending on the time you arrive you might be able to pay the attendant in the main office, otherwise they will come to you first thing in the morning. From what we experienced, they all accepted card payment including for shower facilities. You can find a really helpful map here showing campgrounds around the country.

Thanks for stopping by!

We hope we’ve inspired you to plan your own Iceland Ring Road itinerary. Our detailed guide is ideal for those that want to hike so much your feet will ache and your quads will burn! Iceland is all about its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a perfect road trip destination. If you’re looking for more information on any of the sites listed in this guide, check out our post on the 22 best destinations in Iceland where we go into much more detail for each location.   

If you have any questions, please let us know, and please subscribe! 

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